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Monroe County Obituaries

1847

 

 

Barrett, Andrew Alexander Barrett

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, January 23, 1847

          Died—On Tuesday last, ANDREW ALEXANDER, son of William and Lucinda Barrett of this place, aged about 5 months.

 

Barrow, Alexander Barrow

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, January 9, 1847

          The Hon. Alexander Barrow, U.S. Senator from Louisiana, died in Baltimore, on Tuesday, the 29th ult.

 

Brewer, Abraham Brewer

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, July 3, 1847

          On the same day (Monday, May 24, 1847), at his residence, in this township, Mr. Abraham Brewer, aged about 40 years.

 

Carrothers, James Harvey Carrothers

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, July 31, 1847

          On Monday last, JAMES HARVEY, son of Geo. W. and Mary Carrothers, aged 6 months.

                   “I take these little lambs, said He,

                       And lay them in my breast;

                   Protection they shall find in me—

                       In me he ever blest.”

 

Craig, W. Craig

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 22, 1847

          A rencounter took place on board the steamer Palo Alto on her passage from Pittsburgh to Cincinnati, on the night of the 14th, between W. Craig, pilot, and S. Brentlinger, a passenger, which resulted in the death of Craig.

          Mr. B. was tried before the Mayor of Cincinnati and discharged.—Ib.

 

Davis, John Davis

Doran, Charles Doran

Richards, M. Richards

McNinch, Oliver McNinch

Cassidy, Jo Cassidy

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, August 7, 1847

                             DREADFUL ACCIDENTS

          The Pittsburg Commercial of Tuesday says, a “land slide” occurred in Sligo yesterday afternoon, by which five persons were killed and three wounded. A fragment of the slide—a huge rock, weighing about a ton—was precipitated from the brow of Coal Hill, and fell upon the school-house in which Mr. Chivers teaches.

          Five children were instantly crushed to death and three others wounded. The names of those killed are as follows; John Davis, Charles Doran, M. Richards, Oliver McNinch and Jo Cassidy. They varied in age from six to ten years.

          Wounded—John Craig, S. Johnson, and Robert McCorkle. The injuries of the wounded are not considered dangerous.

 

Haines, Joseph C. Haines

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 29, 1847

          Died—On Friday the 25th inst, JOSEPH C., infant son of Jacob C. and Lydia Haines.

 

Hamer, T. L. Hamer  2nd obit

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, January 2, 1847

          Brigadier Gen. Hamer, of Ohio, died at Monterey on the 3d instant.

 

Hamer, T. L. Hamer  3rd obit

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, January 9, 1847

                   Death of Brigadier General Hamer, of Ohio

          The friends of the distinguished Hamer, though for a time indulging in the hope that the report of his death might prove erroneous, have at length been forced to the painful conclusion that the announcement, which a few evening’s since struck us an electric shock, was, alas, but stern reality.

          He died in his brigade camp at Monterey, on the 2d of December.

          The death of this eminent man is not a loss to be deplored by a neighborhood, a county, or a state but the nation may join in giving expression to a people’s sorrow.

          Entering the councils of Ohio at an early age, he displayed an ability which gave assurance of his future eminence; and although from that time until the present he has been generally in public life—mingling freely in the fierce party conflicts for which that State is distinguished—yet the natural amenity of his disposition, joined to a fund of inimitable humor, had prevented the engineering of the bitter feuds which so frequently spring up between men of opposing politics. His popularity with the people was proverbial; and so great was it in his own district that, at the recent State election Gen. Hamer was elected to the next Congress by, we may say, an almost unanimous vote—no formal opposition having been presented. His nomination for that office by the democratic convention was no less triumphant. Had he survived, that his career in Congress would have been marked by great ability, we have the evidence of the distinction he attained as a member of that body a number of years since, during the trying seasons of panic and dismay, when, among the able men then in the House of Representatives, he occupied the very first rank.

          Seldom is it that men who have been so constantly, from an early life, engaged in politics, become distinguished as well-read profound lawyers; yet in the case of Hamer, by the common consent of the Ohio bar, he occupied a post among the most distinguished of his profession.

          As a military man his career has been brief; but limited as it has been, death kindly withheld his hand until the manly brow of the galiant Hamer wore a wreath of laurel, plucked by his own brave arm, in the midst of fire, carnage, groans, and death, in the bloody streets of Monterey.

                             Washington Union

 

Hamer, T. L. Hamer

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, January 2, 1847

          Death of Gen. Hamer—By reference to the news from the Army, in another column, it will be seen that Brig. Gen. T. L.Hamer, of Ohio, died in Monterey, on the 3d ult.

          He was among Ohio’s noblest sons. His death will be deeply deplored by the whole nation.

          His future prospects for brilliancy and usefulness, were not, perhaps, excelled by those of any man in our country.

 

Hardin, Colonel Hardin

McKee, Colonel McKee

Clay, Colonel Clay

Vaughn, Willis Vaughn

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, August 7, 1847

 HONORS TO THE HEROIC DEAD

          The remains of Colonel Hardin, who fell at Buena Vista, were interred with imposing honors at Jacksonville, Illinois, late the place of his residence, on the 19th ult. The funeral Eulogy was delivered by Richard Yeates, Esq. The beautiful gray charger which bore him through the campaign was led in the procession.

          The remains of Colonels McKee and Clay, Captains Willis Vaughn, and the other gallant Kentuckians recovered from the field of Buena Vista, were interred at Frankfort on Tuesday last. J. C Breckenridge, Esq., pronounced the funeral oration, and there were from 5000 to 20,000 persons present—the heart-stricken father of Ashland being among the crowd of mourners—also Mrs. McKee and Mrs. Vaughn.  Baltimore Sun

 

Hartline, Michael Hartline

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, July 10, 1847

          Died—On Wednesday, the 30th ult, at the residence of his son, in Adams township, MR. MICHAEL HARTLINE, aged 105 years.

 

Isham, Cyrus Isham

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, September 25, 1847

          Died—On Tuesday last, at Williamsburg, Guernsey county, O., MR. CYRUS ISHAM, of Suterville, Va.

 

King, Seymore King

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, August 28, 1847

          Died—On Thursday, the 19th inst, at his residence in Centre township, MR. SEYMORE KING, aged 46 years.

 

Kirkpatrick, James Kirkpatrick

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, September 11, 1847

                             POWDER MILL BLOWN UP

          About 9 o’clock on Monday morning last, the Karnelling and Glazing Mill of the Messrs. Austin, on the Little Miami, six miles above Xenia, blew up with a tremendous report, completely destroying the building and the greater part of the machinery and instantly killed a young man—James Kirkpatrick—who was in the building at the time.

          At the time of the accident, there was from 1000 to 1,200 lbs. of powder in the mill—all of which was of coarse consumed. How it became ignited is a mystery which will probably never be solved. The machinery was, and had been standing from the Saturday evening previous, and no fire of coarse was permitted about the establishment. Two or (thre [sic] minuets) before the explosion, Mr. George Linkhart had taken a load of powder from the Mill to the Dry House, and had left young Kirkpatrick un-employed, in the mill. Had the accident occurred three minuets  later, Mr. L. and two other men employed about the mill would, in all probability, have been blown up, with it. Their absence was most fortunate and timely.

          Within five minuets of the accident, we were at the scene of disaster, and the spectacle presented was truly surprising. The building was razed to its very foundation stones, and the strong timbers of the frame torn apart, twisted, and broken as though they had been but broom straws, and scattered in every direction. The heavy cog-wheels of the mill had been blown into the river to a distance of some fifty or sixty yards, and even the large water-wheel, outside the building, had been started from its place. The heavy sills were piled up on each side of where the building had stood, and the solid earth beneath torn loose to the debt of several feet.

          The shingles, & c, of the building were broken into very small fragments, and covered the ground and filled the tops of the trees about the place of the accident. The body of young Kirkpatrick, was found in the race some two hundred feet from the building, the skull completely crushed, the neck broken, and very much mangled and disfigured otherwise, but still none of the parts dissevered. His death must have been instantaneous.

He was one of a large family who live in the vicinity, some of whom were engaged in other buildings of the manufactory at the time. He was about 17 years of age. His sudden and horrible death should admonish us all uncertainty of human life.

 

Lathrope, James Lathrope

Dill, Samuel Dill

Lancaster, James Lancaster

Hawk, Henry Hawk

Ricardiff, John Ricardiff

Jones, Owen Jones

Boyle, Martin Boyle

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, February 20, 1847

                                      LIVES LOST

          The steam boat Phoenix, having in tow the bark Leontine, ship Manchester, and the ship Ironsides astern, some distance below New Orleans, blew up on the 21st ult,--all six of her boilers exploding.

          The names of those who were killed by this disaster are; James Lathrope, pilot; Samuel Dill, second engineer; James Lancaster, mate; Henry Hawk, steersman; Charles Smith and John Ricardiff, deck hands; Owen Jones and Martin Boyle, firemen, all killed.

          When the expolsion took place the steamer had along side of her the bark Leontine, and ship Manchester, and astern the ship Ironsides. Death was busy on board the Manchester, four of her passengers having been killed, eight wounded have since died.

          On board the Leontine, two of the crew were wounded, and the vessel was seriously damaged by the explosion.

          The calamity occurred at the South West pass. The engineer of the Phoenix (Mr. Fisk) was slightly wounded.   (Cincinnati En.)

 

Maury, Mr. Maury

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, January 2, 1847

          Mr. Maury, of the U.S. Observatory, at Washington, committed suicide, by shooting himself, on the 3d inst.

 

McDonnell, Pat McDonnell

Joyce, Bridget Joyce

M`Andrew, James M`Andrew

M`Hale, Edward M’Hale

Barrett, Wm. Barrett

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, February 20, 1847

                   DEATHS BY STARVATION IN MAYO 

          The Mayo Constitution publishes another fearful catalogue of deaths by famine within the last ten days. Here is the supplementary “black list:”

          On Monday, the 21st inst, Mr. Atkinson, coroner, held an inquest on the body of PAT McDONNELL, at Springhill. The deceased was found lying dead in a field. Some witnesses, and Dr. Nelson, were examined and the following verdict was returned—“Died from Starvation.”

          On the same day, the same coroner held an inquest on the body of BRIDGET JOYCE, a widow with four children, who died in a small sheephouse, in a field in Glanedagh. It appeared in evidence that the deceased and her family were in the utmost state of destitution, and one of the children had nothing to wet the lips of its dying parent but a drop of water or a little snow. The body lay for eight days before a few boards could be procured to make a coffin, in such a state of destitution was the locality. Verdict—“Death from Starvation.”

          On the 22d, the same coroner held an inquest on the body of JAMES M`ANDREW, at Cloonman, whose death was very sudden. Verdict—“Died from visitation of God.”

          On the 22d, the same coroner held an inquest on the body of EDWARD M`HALE, a boy, at Caracirable, in Attymass, one of a numerous family. The evidence of the mother as to their destitution, was truly melancholy. The last words of the dying child to his famishing parent, “mother, give me three grains of corn.” A woman who was present at the melancholy scene, searched the pocket of his jacket, and found three grains of corn. Verdict—“Died from Starvation.”

          On the 24th, the same coroner held an inquest on the body of Wm. Barrett, at Acres, Killain. Verdict—“Died from Starvation.”

          On the same day, the same coroner held an inquest on the body of Bridget Walsh, at Rathtrom. Verdice—“Died from Starvation.”

                             BEFORE THE PREVIOUS OBITS

                    IRELAND—DEATHS FROM STARVATION

          Some idea of the state of the county of Cork, Ireland, may be learned from the fact that, in one barony (East Muskerry) there are 8,900 persons returned as destitute by the relief committees, and of another (the barony of Bere) the Constitution thus reports:--

          “For every one man employed there are five left roving in destitution about the country, and those who are on the lists of the overseers have in many instances to walk five miles to the road, and if not there at the appointed hour, a quarter or half day’s pay is lost. So that persons leaving their huts at 4 o’clock in the morning cannot regain them before seven or eight o’clock at night, then to lie down on damp ground, their only covering being the wet garments in which they shivered while they toiled all day. But those who suffered on the works were content and were grateful, while those who were not employed crowded round the houses of the few resident gentlemen in the neighborhood, crying from hunger, and imploring to have their lives saved by getting a little food or employment to purchase it.

          Thus matters proceeded until Monday, when a large body of the Dursey Islanders and the laborers, of the three parishes surrounding Custletown walked into town and declared their determination to move into Macroon and make a prisoner of Capt. Gordon, whom they declared they would they would take back into the mountains, and there subject him to the same privations which they were enduring until he alleviated their distress. So determined did they appear in their purpose that the Rev. Thomas O`Grady, the rector, and Mr. O`Sullivan, two gentlemen of great influence in the county, could only prevail on them to postpone their march for a few days, but stating that they themselves would that night set off and endeavor to procure employment for them, as remonstrance by letter was disregarded. These gentlemen accordingly did so, but the result of their mission is unknown.

 

Murphy, Margaret Murphy

Murphy, James Murphy

Murphy, John Murphy

Murphy, Sarah Ann Murphy

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, December 4, 1847

          Died—On the 9th of November, Margaret Ellen, aged 9 years; James and John—twins, one on the 26th, the other of the 27th Nov., aged 6 years—and Sarah Ann, on the 29th, aged 11 years, all children of Mr. Benjamin Murphy of this township.

          Thus has death cut off in the bloom of youth four of an interesting family of four children within twenty days. Young as they were, they seemed to have a knowledge of their situation. Sarah Ann especially, after have enquired if she should see and know her brothers and sister in that bright world above, was comforted with the assurance that she would, and expressed joy at the happiness of meeting them in the blissful realms of peace and love. What a consoling assurance is it to the bereaved parents, that “Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”

 

Neuhard, Lorenz Neuhard

Lorenz Neuhard died August 28, 1847. He was born July 3, 1846, in Pittsburg, the son of Lorenz and Elisabetha Haas Neuhard.

 

Okey, Helen Okey

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, July 3, 1847

          On Wednesday last, HELEN, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Okey, aged 2 years and 5 months.

 

Patterson, Robert Patterson

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, January 23, 1847

          On Thursday last, at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Alex Pope, of this place, MR. ROBERT PATTERSON, aged about 84 years.

 

Petty, Chares Wesley Petty

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 22, 1847

          Died—On Thursday the 13th inst, CHARES WESLEY, son of Rev. L. Petty, of this place, aged 8 months and 15 days.

 

Pope, Alexander Pope

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 29, 1847

          On the same day (Monday, May 24, 1847) and within the same hour, ALEXANDER, son of Alexander and Mary Pope, an interesting child, aged 19 months and 7 days.

          “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”

 

Pope, John P. Pope

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 22, 1847

          On Friday evening, the 14th inst, JOHN P., son of Alexander Pope, of this place, aged 8 years and 7 months.

 

Prescott, Nathaniel R. Prescott

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, March 6, 1847

          Died—At his residence, near Sunfish, Monroe county, O., on Tuesday, the 23d ult, Nathaniel R. Prescott, son of Noah Prescott, Esq., of Searsmont, Maine, in the 36th year of his age.

          Mr. Prescott migrated to Ohio, several years ago from the State of Maine. For several years previous to his disease he had been afflicted with chronic gastritis, which kept him measurably confined a great part of the time; his last illness was not very protracted, but during its continuance was that of severe suffering; but he bore his afflictions with Christian fortitude, and the hope of a blessed immortality beyond the grave.

          He left a wife and three children, and many other relatives & friends to mourn his loss.                             J.T.M.

 

Shields, General Shields

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 22, 1847

          We have received the following painful intelligence by the Illinois Register on May 14th. We hope it is premature, but fear it is too true—

Ohio Statesman   

          “Death of Gen. Shields—It has become our painful duty to record the death of Brigadier General Shields, who fell at Cerro Gordo, while leading the Illinois Brigade in a charge upon a Mexican battery, commanded by General La Vega.

          He was killed by a grape shot which passed through his lungs and came out near the spine. Every effort to save him proved unavailing, and after lingering about 24 hours he expired, lamented and honored by the whole army.”    

 

Smith, Enos Morris Smith

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, July 31, 1847

          On Wednesday last, ENOS MORRIS, son of Isaac and Phoebe Smith, of this place, age 1 year.

                   “No more thy smiles, my heart rejoice

                         Yet still I start to meet thine eye,

                    And call upon the low, sweet voice,

                         That gives me no reply—

                    And list within my silent door

                         For the light feet, that come no more.”

 

Speight, Jesse Speight

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 22, 1847

          Death of Hon. Jesse Speight—The Hon. Jesse Speight died at his residence in Lowndes county, Miss. on the 6th inst.

          Mr. Speight was much esteemed—has held many offices of importance and at the time of his death was a United States Senator from that state.—Ib.

 

Taggart, Captain Taggart

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, August 28, 1847

          (In the account of the battle of Buena Vista, it is said that the last man killed, is the American lines, was Captain Taggart, of Brown county, Indiana. When struck down by a shot from the Mexican battery, and knowing himself to be dying, he exclaimed, whilst extending his sword to a comrade; “ Here, take it; I can use it no more—But tell the boys to fight on –our cause is just!)

                   Here, take my sword, dear comrade,

                     For I am dying now;

                   But yet I feel not Deaths’ stern hand

                     Upon my palled brow,

                   I care not, though my heart’s rich blood

                     Is ebbing fast and free,

                   It I but hear my comrades’ shout—

  “On! on to victory.

.

My sword, my good old keen-edged blade,

  Is red with foeman’s blood,

For many a gory wave has drank,

  With her or for its food

Oh! bear it on to battle still,

  Where justice bids it fall:

The arm that wielded it grows chill—

  My sword! Oh, now farewell.

.

Hence! Ye and it have work to do,

  Sword, friends, and comrades, All;

“Our Cause Is Just!” then boldly strike

  For Honor—live or fall.

Oh, wield the sword of Taggart well.

  Amidst the thickest fight;

And think how of the proudly drew

  It in his country’s right.

.

I fall, but eb, “Our Cause Is Just!”

  I glory here to die;

I scorn a coward, fainting heart,

  Though death is in my eye.

Press on! Brave boys, not barely yields,

  Though serried ranks may blaze—

Stout hearts will nerve each arm to strike,

  And peace of triumph raise.

.

The boon of cannons greet my ear,

  The cloud of battle lowers;

Once more my pulses wildly spring,

  Though numbered are my hours,

Ha! Shouts of victory read the air;

  My heart with death grows chill;

Fight on! Brave boys, “Our Cause Is Just!”

  God and was country still!

                                                By IMMA

 

Thornton, Seth B. Thornton

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated October 16, 1847

          We feel called upon to publish the following interesting tribute from the N.O. Delta, not only because the lamented Thornton was an honor to his native state, but his memory should be cherished by everyone who admires lofty and noble bearing in all situations. His history is a part of the war. His capture on the Rio Grande gave the first warning of the insane policy of Mexico, in making war upon our territory. The impression produced by that incident caused a thrill through-out the country, and Thornton’s name was on every lip. We well remember the interview we had with him, when, released from confinement at Mexico, and after an honorable acquitted by a Court of Enquiry, he was hastening to Washington to ask for active employment in the campaign. We were pleased no less with the modesty with which he told his adventures, than the enthusiastic spirit of the man. We saw him on his return, honored with an important duty and eager for the field of glory. We have followed him with the army of the interior of Mexico and marked with interest in faithful and courageous discharge of every duty. In the last glorious battle he was in the front of danger and a shot from a Mexican battery made him the first victim. The Delta’s tribute is stamped with the touching eloquence of truth and feeling.

RICHMOND INQUIRER:      

          This intrepid dragoon officer who was the first to begin this war, was, alas! the first to sacrifice his life in the late march of our army from Puebla. The circumstances of his death will be found fully detailed in the letters of our correspondents. Like Col. Butler, he left a bed of sickness to meet the foe, upon whom he warmly desired to avenge the treachery by which he had been betrayed in the commencement of this war. He was killed by a cannonball, in a reconnaissance, several days before the battle.

          We knew Seth Thornton well. He was a companion and schoolmate of our early days, and a braver and more warm-hearted soul never animated a human frame. He was born in Caroline county, Virginia, and at his death, was about thirty-three years of age. Young as he was, his life had been a checkered and eventful one. We doubt whether there is any man now living who had passed safely through so many and such imminent perils and trials as have marked the life of Captain Thornton.

           Some years ago he was a passenger, when quite a youth, on the ill-fated Polaski, and when that steamer took fire, he was nearly the last to leave her. When others thought only saving their own lives, he thought only of saving the lives of the fair women and children on board. When all the passengers had been sent off in boots and on spars, Capt. Thornton, having first securely tied his body to a hen-coop, threw himself into the sea.—Whilst in the water, he picked up several men, whom he had succeeded in fastening to the coop, and thus they floated for many a long and weary hour exploded to a burning sun, and without a particle of food. One by one his companions dropped off, and perished at sea. Thornton only remained; and at last, famished and reduced to a state of raving insanity, he was picked by some boats and taken ashore. For a long time his life was in great danger from delirium and fever consequent upon his intense suffering and exposure. But he recovered, and the next time we hear of him is in the Florida war, where he passed through many extraordinary perils, and distinguished himself as a most gallant and active officer. In the beginning of this war, Capt. Thornton was selected by Gen. Taylor for a very delicate and difficult duty, the full nature and results of which are familiar to our readers.

          Last summer, being relieved from duty, he came home on a short visit, but as soon as he reached Washington, earnestly entreated the War Department to allow him to take the field of active operations. His wish was granted, and he hurried back to the scene of war, and eagerly sought an opportunity of distinguishing himself.

          “Captain Thornton, though ever in the front of danger, and reckless of all perils and obstacles, was by no means physically a vigorous or muscular man. On the contrary, he was of small and delicate structure, and of weakly constitution. But his bold and manly spirit made him always ready to dare every danger, and assume the most trying and perilous positions which could be pointed out to him.

          But alas!, poor Seth, he is gone—cut off, not as his brave heart panted for in the glorious conflict of arms, at the head of his bold dragoons—his bloody saber flaming in the sunbeams, and the frightened for flying before his avenging arm—but in a mere reconnaissance, by an accidental cannon shot, and when an enemy was in sight, his brave spirit was loosened from its mortal tenement; and thus he fell with his face to the foe. Peace to his remains—immortality to his memory.

 

Walton, Caroline Elizabeth Walton

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, May 29, 1847

          Died—On Monday, the 24th inst, at the residence of her father in this place, Caroline Elizabeth, the last of three daughter of William C. and Sidna Walton, in the 20th year of her age. She died, as she had ever lived, a model of intelligence, morality and virtue—loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

          The parents of the deceased may be, to some extent, consoled by the assurance that they have the sympathy and condolence of the citizens of our town in their bereavement, as they have, without doubt, of all their friends and acquaintances elsewhere.

          It is useless for us to say one word favorable to the memory of the deceased. She did, in this life, in this respect, what no person on earth could do for her. Her Christian deportment, her kind and unaffected affability towards all with whom she had intercourse, was such as to fix indellibly on the minds of all the most pleasing impressions, which can only be erased by death.

          By the death of the deceased the Methodist Protestant Church has lost one of its bright ornaments and exemplary members.

                   In native elegance of mind,

                     Thy radiant genius shone;

                   With virtues, that we can but find

                     In such as thee alone.

.

                   Mild as the tints of morning light

                     Pure as the dews of even;

                   Thy virtues shone resplendent bright

                     Thy virtues shine in Heaven.

.

                   Yes, Yes, our envious hearts would tear

                     Thee from a Saviour’s love;

                   Would hold thee for our idol here,

                     And worship thee above.

 

Watson, William Watson, William Watson

Thompson, Augustus Thompson

Irvin, David Irvin

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, February 27, 1847

                   STEAMBOAT COLLISION AND LOSS OF LIFE

          The steamboats “California “ and “Isaac Newton” came in collision on the morning of the 18th inst., at 4 o’clock, about one hundred and sixty-five miles above Cincinnati, by which accident the California was sunk.

          Six men were drowned—one passenger and five of the crew—three of whom were named William Watson, Augustus Thompson and David Irvin.

          It is said that the Isaac Newton went immediately to the rescue of the sufferers.

          The cargo of the California sunk with the boat, the value of which is estimated at $200,000. The captain lost all he possessed.

 

Wright, Silas Wright  2nd obit

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, September 11, 1847

          The sudden death of this illustrious statesman will be felt as a great and lamentable event throughout the length and breadth of our land. He died of apoplexy, at his residence in Canton, New York, on the 27th instant. He has been struck down without warning in the splendid maturity of his great faculties, and in the midst of bright and almost boundless prospect of future usefulness and renown. In his death the democracy of our nation will mourn the loss of a statesman whose public and private life and character were alike the ornament and the honor of the political system out of which they grew.

          To those—and there are many such—who hold that, in a free government like ours, a devotion to public affairs and to political life as they are at present managed among us, is unfavorable to the development of the best and manliest qualities of character—to those who believe that, in a republic, a long and successful political career must harden the heart against the better and kinder sympathies of our nature, and engender an ambition at once unscrupulous overweening, and selfish—to those who tell us how hard it is for the eminent politician to keep his lips pure from guile, his heat [sic-heart] free from stormy passions, and his hands unstained [sic-unstained] by practice of corruption—to those who assure us that the favor of the people must, under a democratic government, be won by fawning, and that the charms of high station are an overmatch for the strength even of the most steadfast integrity;--to all such objectors against the working of our free institutions upon the characters of our public men, the life and death of Silas Wright furnish a refutation at once conclusive and sublime. From his boyhood he learned to be a statesman. His earliest impulse urged him to don the bright harness of demeratic principles, and to go forth to battle in the thick of the fight for the Popular Cause. He passed through almost every form of official life. In the politics of his town, of his county, of his State, and of his country, he bore in quick succession a most leading and conspicuous part. In places of highest administrative power in situations of subordinate ministerial trust and duty, in the silent labors of the committee room, and in the halls of senatorial eloquence and action—in every scene where mind is strained to its severest tension, and character put to its sternest ordeal—there always foremost among the champions of popular rights, always holding fast to his principles as to his honor and religion—fearless to meet any crisis, prompt to assume any rightful responsibility—firm calm, watchful, labourious, incorruptible—Silas Wright, himself a poor man and poor man’s friend, builded up the fair and stately fabric of his fame on the fast foundations of intellect and integrity. And when the great crisis of his public career came at last, and his grateful country tendered to him, in quick succession, her highest judicial and executive stations, faithful to a scrupulous sensitiveness of honor, he rose superior even to the legimate ambition of a great statesman, calmly put aside, the most glitering rewards of public life, and without impatience, or emotions, or effort, went back to his humble farmhouse and his little farm, to till the earth with his own hands, and to earn his daily bread with the sweat of his brow.

          Such a character is monumental.—It bears the most eloquent witness to all our statesman of the “noble arts” by which, in this country, the favor of the people may be won. Such a life, indeed, is truly, and in the highest sense, American. It could hardly appear under any other government than our own. Such a career, too, we may say with pride, belongs, even in this country, soley to those principles and impulses, which unite themselves in party organization, to advance the cause of the people. The public and the private life of Silas Wright were at once the result, the manifestation, and the triumph of democratic principles.

          It is not for us to assume that the long and varied life of Mr. Wright presents no single instance of error. It is not given to man to be thus infallible. We leave to those better informed than we are, to pronounce upon all the details of his administration as governor of the State of New York. It is enough for us to know that in that position he did not hesitate to jeopard his re-election rather than flinch one jot from the due maintainance of the law, even before a wide-spread agitation, which, in the nature of the causes out of which it grew, must, in some respects, have appealed strongly to his sympathies. Nor do we conceal our dissent from some of the doctrines on one prominent topic in our national politics, in favor of which the great authority of Mr. Wright’s name has (as we suppose from insufficient evidence) been, of late, sometimes invoked. It is enough for us now to know, and to remember, with pride and gratitude, that in the great measures and principles of his public career, the patriotism of Mr. Wright knew no sectional limits, and that in our national councils his mind and heart were alike open to comprehend and to feel all that belonged to the rights,, the interests, and the honor of every part of our Union.

          All who knew Mr. Wright agree that his powers of mind were of the highest order. Yet he persuaded and prevailed as much by the noble moderation of his spirit as by the vigor and compresiveness of his understanding. He carried into public affairs the best characteristics of private life. In the memorable session of the twenty-seventh Congress he fought with matchless power the great battle of the people against privilege, and came out of the contest without having made an enemy.

          Though, in the death of Mr. Wright, the democracy of the country must feel that it has lost one of its most powerful champions, yet the loss of influence upon the character of politics, and political aspirants among us, will be yet more severely felt. One of the brightest examples of political virtue no longer shines before mens` eyes. It can be seen now only in the diminishing glass of remembrance. Other men may, perhaps, be found among us to serve as faithfully, and to plead as eloquently, the cause of the people, as did he whom we have lost. But it will be long before a similar combination of circumstances shall unite with the most splendid powers of intellect, and the highest elements of public character, to form a career at once so instructive, so impressive, and so encouraging as that which has now closed in the grave of Silas Wright.

          Gifted with talents of the highest order—blessed with a heart of the finest mould—with principles of the true democratic stamp, adapted to the free people among whom his lot was cast; and, with manners destitute of all affection, of all the airs and arrogance of office, but recommended by all the simplicity and all the amiableness which distinguished those of Jefferson, of Madison, of Marshall—Silas Wright was the man to earn the respect and affection of his countryman. He was truly the man of the people. Already many of his admiring countrymen were pointing him out, and holding him up for the highest office in the republic. But death has cut him off from all the splendor and all the interests of this world. Yet, we must repeat, amid all his high qualities, there was one which pre-eminently deserves our notice and respect. Considering his pretentions and his qualifications, his distinguished abilities, and his numerous services, he was the last to claim, and the first to decline, the offices which were almost showered upon him. At almost one and the same time three brilliant honors were tendered to his acceptance. He was urged to accept the governorship of New York. The President of the United States offered him a seat upon the bench of the Supreme Court, that noble object of almost the highest ambition. The democracy of the strongest representative body in the country offered him the honors of the Vice Presidency. Mr. Wright declined them all—and among them, the seat upon the Supreme Court bench, which he would have preferred to all the rest; and never can we forget the high-minded and noble letter which he addressed on that subject to one of our friends, one of the Judges of the Supreme Court. We never were more impressed with reverence for any man, than on seeing that production, and weighing the reasons which prompted him to decline it. But he did decline it. But his desire to carry the State of New York for the democratic ticket for the presidency and vice presidency caused him at last to yield to his friends. No man could have submitted with better grace, and no man could have more loyally shown his devotion to his country and his party.

          We leave the memory of this great man to the gratitude and reverence of a great people.                   UNION

 

Wright, Silas Wright

Spirit of Democracy, Woodsfield, Ohio, dated, September 4, 1847

                   New York   Aug. 29       8 a.m.

                   DEATH OF SILAS WRIGHT

          We regret to announce the death of Silas Wright, Ex-Governor of the State of New York, and so long United States Senator. He died of apoplexy.

          The death of Silas Wright is an event equally unexpected and lamented. He was a man of rare abilities, and always distinguished for his courtesy and readiness in debate. Few men were entitled to occupy so exalted a position in the ranks of a party, and yet we have never seen a man so careless of distinction.

          A nomination to the office of Vice President was tendered him and he declined it and so of other offices, equally honorable and exalted.

 

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